The late arrival of snow in the Twin Cities, accompanied by freezing rain, will keep snowfall totals a little lower than expected. Nevertheless, snow is likely much of the day and into the evening across a large swath of Minnesota.

Based on satellite imagery and radar, heavy snow is expected from New Ulm, through the west metro, including Waconia to Buffalo and up to St. Cloud this morning.

Snow is forecast to expand north today and heavy snow with gusty winds will make travel hazardous in Duluth and Hayward.

NOAA’s forecast for the highest probability of snow reaching 8 inches or more in the next 24 hours.

Source:NOAA/NCEP

Note on the enhanced satellite image from this morning the divergence of cold tops, indicating precipitation, the two areas of blue. Over Minnesota that is mostly snow. Rain showers with some thunderstorms were moving through the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley.

About the blogger

Craig Edwards began his forecasting career with the National Weather Service in 1972 and served for 15 years as the chief meteorologist in the Twin Cities for NOAA, retiring in 2006. He’s been the game day meteorologist for the Minnesota Twins since baseball moved outdoors at Target Field in 2010. Edwards is author of “Nature’s Messenger” and a speaker on climate change in Minnesota.